By: Mercy Peter
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has offered Lagos to the Historic African Diaspora tracing their roots to Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu said they should see Lagos as their home.
The governor made the offer while receiving the 14- Member African Ancestry delegation in Lagos, according to a statement by Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun,Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, NIDCOM.
The 14-Member delegation consisted of descendants who have traced their roots to various tribes in Nigeria.
The governor said the group is vital in fostering a deeper understanding of the common shared heritage.
“The Governor commended Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) who led the delegation on the courtesy visit ,for her enormous contributions to Diaspora engagement.
“Sanwo-Olu also commended Dr. Gina Paige, the leader of African Ancestry Delegation for her pioneering efforts in connecting people of African descent with their roots, through DNA testing.
” I must say here that our rich and diverse history is crucial to our identity as Nigerians and Africans” he said.
“The Governor used the opportunity to also discuss potential initiatives and vision for Lagos as a hub for cultural exchange and a beacon for the African diaspora.
“Earlier, Hon Abike Dabiri Erewa welcomed all delegates and congratulated the Governor for his tremendous work in making Lagos attractive to all, noting the enormous success of Detty December.
“She commended Governor Sanwoolu for his approval to build the permanent Door of Return in Badagry, describing it as a project that will further positively transform tourism in the state.
“Dabiri-Erewa also encouraged the delegation to tour other parts of the country and see the potential and rich cultural heritage in Nigeria.
“The leader of the delegation, Mrs Gina Paige, accompanied by 14 delegates, appealed to the Nigerian Government to consider giving those whose DNA has been traced to Nigeria their Nigerian passports and citizenship.
“She also made known her desire to live and settle in Nigeria and also wish to bring many more Diaspora back home In her words” We are victims of identity theft “ .
“Paige noted that despite the bad image and propaganda towards Nigeria, it has never discouraged them from coming back home.
“Gina Paige is a co- founder African Ancestry who 22 years ago began encouraging the Historic African Diaspora to trace their roots through DNA.
